At the 16th meeting of the dialogue platform "Kazakhstan – European Union," Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov addressed the heads of diplomatic missions from EU countries regarding the issues faced by Kazakhstani entrepreneurs, reports primeminister.kz.
The topic of visa procedures was specifically raised.
“During my recent meeting with domestic entrepreneurs, the issue of difficulties in obtaining Schengen visas was discussed, particularly in countries like Lithuania, Germany, and Poland. Kazakhstani freight carriers are encountering a limited number of slots at visa centers, long waiting times of up to two months, and the issuance of short-term visas lasting up to three months, which significantly complicates their operations. Additional obstacles arise from the requirement for original copies of permits for international transport or 'licenses.' These restrictions create further barriers for Kazakhstani companies and impact the development of bilateral economic relations with the EU,” noted Olzhas Bektenov.
The Prime Minister hopes for a constructive dialogue aimed at simplifying procedures for Kazakhstani businessmen and freight carriers.
During the meeting, he stated that the European Union is an important partner for Kazakhstan on the international stage. From 2005 to 2024, the total gross inflow of direct investments from Union countries to Kazakhstan exceeded $200 billion, accounting for 47.8% of the total volume of FDI in the country.
“To date, the European Union is Kazakhstan's largest trading and investment partner. It accounts for more than a third of the country's foreign trade and half of the attracted investments. The mutual trade turnover between our countries increased by 17% last year, nearly reaching $50 billion. We are interested in further expanding and diversifying the range of goods supplied to Europe,” emphasized Olzhas Bektenov.
To enhance trade and economic cooperation, systematic efforts are underway to create a highly favorable business climate for attracting private investments. An updated Investment Policy Concept through 2029 has been implemented, aimed at launching a new investment cycle and fulfilling the strategic goal of doubling the country's GDP. The government is introducing digital solutions in public administration to reduce bureaucracy and optimize regulatory procedures. A National Digital Investment Platform has been launched, along with the portals minerals.gov.kz and e-qazyna.kz, ensuring transparency in licensing processes. The legislative framework is being improved for the priority development of raw material processing and the production of finished goods with high added value. The measures being taken are focused on eliminating barriers for business and liberalizing the economy.
“Together with Kazakhstan, we are developing the next Roadmap for strategic partnership for 2025-2026, with special attention given to specific actions such as supporting digitalization and geodata management,” said Johannes Baur, the temporary chargé d'affaires of the European Union delegation.
Proposals to strengthen cooperation in the areas of trade, science, and industrial cooperation were put forward by German Ambassador Monika Iversen, French Ambassador Sylvain Gioghe, and Temporary Chargé d'Affaires of Poland Michał Rafał Labenda.
Initiatives in the mining sector were presented by the CEO of the Spanish company Xcalibur Multiphysics, a global leader in aerogeophysics and cartographic geophysics, Andrés Blanco; the vice president for Central Asia of the Finnish company Metso, a major equipment supplier, Kamil Alyautdinov; and the regional general manager for Central Asia of the Swedish company Epiroc, a leading global manufacturer of equipment and solutions for the mining industry, infrastructure, and natural resource extraction, Kamshat Galiyeva.
Earlier, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that Kazakhstan is referred to as a "middle power," enjoying high trust in the world, and this status must be supported by results not only in the political sphere but primarily by practical achievements in the fields of economy, investment, science, and technology. He believes that the progress of major investment projects with China, Russia, the USA, EU countries, the Middle East, Asia, and many other states should be closely monitored.